Dear SMA Community,

“Today is Wednesday, September 11, 2024. Today marks the 23rd anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 9/11 (2001), when nearly 3,000 women and men died in the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, in the Pentagon in Washington, DC, and in the fields of Somerset County, Pennsylvania. It is also a day on which we remember and honor the lives of those heroic first responders—our firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMTs, paramedics, and others—who ran toward, and into, the Twin Towers, not knowing the fate that awaited them. We celebrate the other selfless heroes who stopped along the way to help others, and we acknowledge the families and loved ones left behind—but they are not alone. This anniversary of 9/11 prompts us to share our gratitude and appreciation for each other as a nation of one family.”

These were my opening remarks at a “Patriot Day Commemoration and Prayer Service” that I hosted this morning for our staff and students. Following recess on the senior yard, the entire school (and Fr. Pat) gathered together on the junior yard to honor the lives our country lost and the heroic actions of our first responders. I assisted Antoine (a 6th grader and a boy scout) with the hoisting of our brand new US flag; the students looked on with hands over their hearts while listening to a recording of the Star Spangled Banner; we recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and we observed a minute of silence. In my remarks to the students (all of whom have no connection to this event as they were not even born in 2001), I shared with them where I was at that moment and what I was doing. I encouraged our students to have a conversation with you using the prompt, “Where were you on 9/11?” Like other tragic events in our nation’s (and world’s) history, I believe that we should not forget, but educate our children about the past. With the theme of service on this Patriot Day, I also encouraged our students to think of some form of service they might do today for someone else.

This week, we entered our first cycle (of three) assessments in math and reading. I decided to change the way we administer these assessments in grades 3-8 (the senior yard): I established a dedicated testing period from 8 to 9 am (both yesterday and today) for all students in the senior yard so that we had an environment conducive for testing (“distraction-free” and silent), allowing students to focus and to do their best. I believe they did just that! Make-ups for absent students or those who may need re-testing will be coordinated during the next two weeks. You may expect to receive copies of your child’s results during our Parent/Teacher Conferences in November (prior to our Thanksgiving break).

FAMILY FUN NIGHT is quickly approaching! Please plan to join our school community on Friday, September 27th (6-9 pm) on the junior yard for a “festival of fun for the whole fam!” Get ready to dance the night away at our DJ Dance Party! SMA Student Council will be selling raffle tickets for a chance to throw a pie at your homeroom teacher (and possibly even the principal?). Please reserve your spot TODAY by clicking here! (Information also below in this newsletter.)

CALLING FOR BOYS AND GIRLS to volunteer as altar servers for SMA and Mary, Star of the Sea parish! We are in need of students in 4th through 8th grades who have had their Sacraments of Initiation (i.e., Baptism and First Holy Communion) to assist with the celebration of our school and Sunday Masses. All student volunteers should be willing to commit to TWO Sunday Masses each month for the parish as well as for our weekly school Masses on Fridays. Please encourage your student to volunteer as this is a GREAT way to strengthen one’s faith in a spirit of service and charity. See details in this newsletter.

Finally, have you shared your love for SMA with a friend or neighbor? Help us spread the good news about our awesome school community!

Thank you for entrusting Stella Maris Academy with your children’s education.

With blessings and gratitude,

Jamie Brandt

Principal

Mensaje del Director 9/11/2024

Dear SMA Community,

I was saddened yesterday to hear that there was yet another school shooting during which two students and two teachers died; nine were injured. This tragedy occurred at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. Apparently, a 14-year old male student was responsible for the shooting, and he is expected to be prosecuted as an adult.

This tragedy should serve to remind all of us that we must remain vigilant. We must be aware of what is happening around us at all times and not become complacent. Moreover, we must be ready to respond when an emergency does occur. At SMA, we conduct emergency drills monthly (in fact, we have a fire drill this afternoon). These drills serve as training opportunities for our students so that they are prepared in how to respond to emergencies like fire, earthquake or even an intruder (on or near our campus).

With respect to emergencies that may require SMA to lock-down, we have procedures in place to protect our students and staff. Moreover, we have a mass communication system in place to notify you immediately of any emergency situation on campus.

In the event that a lock-down requires an evacuation, there are designated rally points in the local community where our students will assemble. During the first week of school, each grade walked to their rally point so that they are aware of their safe place. Our first lock-down drill is scheduled for November 14th. In advance of this event, I intend to communicate with you our training plan. More to follow in this regard.

The tragedy at the high school in Georgia yesterday also affirms for me that we must continue to build and form healthy, positive relationships with our students. At SMA, we strive daily to build and maintain a school culture that respects the value and dignity of each and every student.

On a more positive note, many students in grades 4-8 enjoyed a delicious pancake breakfast when school resumed last Tuesday (following the holiday weekend) because they completed their summer math assignments. Many thanks to Mrs. Moreau, Mrs. Flores and Mrs. Zack for coordinating (and cooking for) the event! Also, we are grateful for the parent volunteer help from Mrs. Jennifer Garza and Mrs. Lisa Raphael.

It was great to see our students dressed and groomed so well for their individual school photos yesterday morning. If your child was absent, then please plan for them to take a make-up individual photo at school on Thursday, October 17th.

Speaking of school photos, TOMORROW morning (Friday) our photographer is back on campus for our class (group) photos. Each grade will assemble at a designated time in front of the church facade for the class photo with the teacher and principal. Please note there is NO MAKE-UP for the class photo (so ensure your child is at school tomorrow)!

As part of our faith outreach to our parent community, I invite SMA Moms to join the Rosary Group tomorrow morning (Friday) from 8:00 to 9:00. This event happens monthly on the First Friday. Please reach out to Mrs. Diana Anderson for questions or more information.

Looking to next week, we celebrate our first Spirit Wear Day and pizza lunch on Tuesday, September 10th!

Also, our first PTO Meeting will be on Wednesday, September 11th at 1:45 pm in the Parish Hall. I strongly encourage active parent participation in the PTO as this is a dynamic group that plans and coordinates many of our special events and activities, including our annual gala. This is a great opportunity to complete your parent volunteer service hours!

Finally, we will be administering the first of four cycles of the Star Reading and Star Math standardized assessments next week. Data from these assessments help us to track and monitor the growth and achievement of our students.

Thank you for entrusting Stella Maris Academy with your children’s education.

With blessings and gratitude,

Jamie Brandt

Principal

Para ver el mensaje del Director en español, pulse este enlace

Dear SMA Community,

How are you feeling? I’m feeling great! Last Friday afternoon, many of us gathered in a peaceful protest to the 5G tower installation by picketing in front of Dr. Miremadi’s clinic on the corner of Ivanhoe and Kline streets. Our voices were heard loud and clear! Cars passing by on Torrey Pines Blvd honked their horns as media reps from KUSI/Fox and ABC were on-site to broadcast our message to the rest of San Diego. There are many parents to thank for this continued forward press and coordination, especially Aubrey Elbin! We will see this through to the end, and hopefully we shall prevail!

We began our first full week of school this week. For me, this means getting out of my office and walking through the classrooms to observe the active learning that is happening. I feel Monday was perhaps the hardest for our students (a long day!), but by today it seems that all have adjusted to the daily grind of class schedules and other activities. Of note, we held our first all-school assembly in the Parish Hall this morning, where the students listened to some good and fun music from a quartet of musicians demonstrating the unique sounds from string, brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments (see photos below). Hopefully many of our students were motivated and encouraged to choose an instrument and learn to play it this school year as part of our school band (see flyer in this newsletter)!

As you know, tonight and tomorrow mark our Back-to-School Nights. Both events begin at 6 pm in the Parish Hall for a general parent session before movement to the classrooms for teacher presentations. Tonight, we invite all TK-5 parents to attend, and the evening ends around 7:30 pm. Tomorrow evening, we invite our middle school parents (grades 6-8), and the evening will end closer to 8:00 (parents will follow the schedule of their child and hear from all of the curricular teachers). Unfortunately, we do not offer child care, yet I acknowledge that a few parents have asked me about it, so we shall consider this for future events.

Looking ahead, we have a 3-day holiday weekend to enjoy as our nation celebrates Labor Day on Monday, September 2nd. Monday is a school holiday, and school will resume on Tuesday, September 3rd. Of note, that Tuesday morning we will have our annual Math pancake breakfast (see details in this newsletter).

Additionally, please note that we have our School Picture Day next Wednesday, September 4th! ALL STUDENTS should come to school wearing their Mass uniform for their individual photos. Moreover, class (group) pictures will be taken on Friday, September 6th (again in Mass uniform). Please mark these two dates on your calendar now and plan NOT to miss these events, especially the class pictures on Friday (because there is no make-up for the class pictures)!

Finally, I pray all families have a safe and joy-filled holiday weekend! Thank you for entrusting Stella Maris Academy with your children’s education.

With blessings and gratitude,

James Brandt

Principal

Haga clic en este enlace para obtener información en español

Dear SMA Community,

Our teachers and staff returned to SMA on Monday, and we are building our team and preparing our classrooms in preparation for the first day of school. We are excited to welcome our students for a new year of learning! Just 6 more days!

So much effort by both school staff and parents has been exhausted to defeat the Dish Network project proposal to install three 5G cell towers, and we have made a significant step forward in doing just that! Again, thank you for your active and dynamic support and response.

In this regard, I offer this prayer for all SMA parents (click the hyperlink). May God bless each one of you with His peace, love and joy as we begin the 2024-2025 school year.

With blessings and gratitude,

James Brandt

Principal

Estimada comunidad de SMA,

Nuestros maestros y personal regresaron a SMA el lunes, y estamos formando nuestro equipo y preparando nuestras aulas en preparación para el primer día de clases. ¡Estamos emocionados de dar la bienvenida a nuestros estudiantes para un nuevo año de aprendizaje! ¡Sólo 6 días más!

¡Tanto el personal de la escuela y los padres han hecho un gran esfuerzo para derrotar la propuesta del proyecto de Dish Network para instalar tres torres de telefonía celular 5G, y hemos dado un paso significativo hacia adelante en hacer precisamente eso! Una vez más, gracias por su apoyo y respuesta activos y dinámicos.

A este respecto, ofrezco esta oración para todos los padres de AME (haga clic en el hipervínculo). Que Dios bendiga a cada uno de ustedes con Su paz, amor y alegría al comenzar el año escolar 2024-2025.

Con bendiciones y gratitud,

James Brandt

Director

Dear SMA Community,

Only 13 more days until the first day of school! Are you excited and ready for a great year at SMA?

If you are following our social media, then you know that our teachers gathered with other teachers and principals from across the San Diego Diocese this past Tuesday at Mater Dei Catholic High School for the annual convocation–a time to come together for faith and spiritual enrichment, and to celebrate the start of a new school year. Our keynote speaker was Steve Angrisano, who is a Catholic singer, songwriter and storyteller (click the hyperlink for more information about him). Indeed, he led us in song and told several stories. We all were inspired and moved by his words and music. Following his sharing, our three auxiliary bishops were present to celebrate the Holy Mass for us (with Bishop Pulido presiding). See our group photo below!

Also, I had an enjoyable afternoon last Saturday playing batball with other SMA alumni on the Senior Yard! There were alumni of all ages present (see the group photo below). Many of y’all know about batball–a game that Michael Erickson created for our school community many years ago. Well, it was my first time playing it, and it was a lot of fun! (Incidentally, did y’all know that Mr. Erickson was my 7th grade teacher–and my Confirmation sponsor–here at SMA?) I am very happy that he remains actively involved in the SMA community! Thank you, Mr. Erickson!

A reminder that there is a public meeting to discuss the Dish Network project proposal on Tuesday, August 13, at 4:00 pm in the Bishops School Main Dining Room (7607 La Jolla Blvd). Fr. Pat, Mrs. Zack and I will be present, and I hope many parents will join us to have our voices heard as we express our disapproval for this installation. If you have not done so already, then please complete the short survey I sent out a few weeks ago (here).

Thank you for your support and involvement in our school community!

With blessings and gratitude,

James Brandt

Principal

Querida comunidad de SMA,

¡Sólo faltan 13 días para el primer día de clase! ¿Están emocionados y listos para un gran año en SMA?

Si usted está siguiendo nuestros medios de comunicación social, entonces usted sabe que nuestros maestros se reunieron con otros maestros y directores de toda la Diócesis de San Diego el pasado martes en Mater Dei Catholic High School para la convocatoria anual-un tiempo para reunirse por la fe y el enriquecimiento espiritual, y para celebrar el inicio de un nuevo año escolar. Nuestro orador principal fue Steve Angrisano, que es un cantante católico, compositor y narrador (haga clic en el hipervínculo para obtener más información sobre él). Nos cantó y nos contó varias historias. Sus palabras y su música nos inspiraron y conmovieron a todos. Después de su presentación, nuestros tres obispos auxiliares estuvieron presentes para celebrar la Santa Misa para nosotros (con el Obispo Pulido presidiendo). Vean nuestra foto de grupo abajo.

También, pasé una tarde agradable el sábado pasado jugando al béisbol con otros antiguos alumnos de SMA en el patio de los mayores. Había ex-alumnos de todas las edades presentes (vea la foto de grupo abajo). Muchos de ustedes conocen el batball-un juego que Michael Erickson creó para nuestra comunidad escolar hace muchos años. Bueno, era la primera vez que lo jugaba, ¡y fue muy divertido! (Por cierto, ¿sabíais que el Sr. Erickson fue mi profesor de 7º curso -y mi padrino de Confirmación- aquí en SMA). Estoy muy contento de que siga participando activamente en la comunidad de SMA. ¡Gracias, Sr. Erickson!

Un recordatorio de que hay una reunión pública para discutir la propuesta del proyecto Dish Network el martes, 13 de agosto a las 4:00 pm en el comedor principal de la escuela Bishops (7607 La Jolla Blvd). El Padre Pat, la Sra. Zack y yo estaremos presentes, y espero que muchos padres se unan a nosotros para que nuestras voces sean escuchadas mientras expresamos nuestra desaprobación a esta instalación. Si aún no lo ha hecho, por favor complete la breve encuesta que envié hace unas semanas (aquí).

¡Gracias por su apoyo y participación en nuestra comunidad escolar!

Con bendiciones y gratitud,

James Brandt

Director

Dear SMA Community,

Can you believe today is August 1st?! It is a sobering thought that our summer break is quickly coming to an end–less than 3 weeks until the first day of school! Nonetheless, I am excited about beginning a new school year at SMA! Our preparations in that regard continue.

I do have an update regarding the Dish installation of the wireless communication facility atop the building adjacent to our senior yard. I have been informed that this proposal will be discussed during a meeting convened by the Development Permit Review (DPR) committee on Tuesday, August 13, at 4:00 pm. The location of the meeting is at the Bishops School Main Dining Room (7607 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla). This meeting is open to the public, so I welcome any parent who wants to attend with me and have their voice heard. The DPR is comprised of five members, each of whom are appointed by the La Jolla Community Planning Association and the La Jolla Town Council. Again, if you have not added your voice to our parent survey, then please click here.

Our teachers will return to campus on Monday, August 12th, for a week of in-service and classroom preparations. I look forward to welcoming them and laying the groundwork for this new school year.

For our new families, we will look forward to welcoming y’all at our New Family Welcome Night on Monday, August 19th, at 5 pm. Details forthcoming in our weekly newsletter.

Stay tuned for further updates and information as we approach the start of the school year. Your support and involvement are crucial to our collective success, and I look forward to working together to make this year exceptional.

With blessings and gratitude,

James Brandt

Principal

Querida Comunidad de AME,

¿Os podéis creer que hoy es 1 de agosto? ¡Es un pensamiento aleccionador que nuestras vacaciones de verano están llegando rápidamente a su fin-menos de 3 semanas hasta el primer día de clases! Sin embargo, ¡estoy entusiasmado con el comienzo de un nuevo año escolar en SMA! Nuestros preparativos en ese sentido continúan.

Tengo una actualización con respecto a la instalación de Dish de la instalación de comunicación inalámbrica en la parte superior del edificio adyacente a nuestro patio de mayores. Me han informado que esta propuesta será discutida durante una reunión convocada por el comité de Revisión de Permisos de Desarrollo (DPR) el martes 13 de agosto a las 4:00 pm. El lugar de la reunión es en el Comedor Principal de la Escuela Bishops (7607 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla). Esta reunión está abierta al público, por lo que doy la bienvenida a cualquier padre que quiera asistir conmigo y hacer oír su voz. El DPR se compone de cinco miembros, cada uno de los cuales son nombrados por la Asociación de Planificación de la Comunidad de La Jolla y el Ayuntamiento de La Jolla. Una vez más, si usted no ha añadido su voz a nuestra encuesta de padres, por favor haga clic aquí.

Nuestros maestros regresarán a la escuela el lunes, 12 de agosto, para una semana de servicio y preparaciones en el aula. Espero darles la bienvenida y sentar las bases para este nuevo año escolar.

Para nuestras nuevas familias, esperamos darles la bienvenida en nuestra Noche de Bienvenida para Nuevas Familias el lunes 19 de agosto a las 5 pm. Detalles próximamente en nuestro boletín semanal.

Manténgase en sintonía para más actualizaciones e información a medida que nos acercamos al inicio del año escolar. Su apoyo y participación son cruciales para nuestro éxito colectivo, y espero con interés trabajar juntos para hacer de este año excepcional.

Con bendiciones y gratitud,

James Brandt

Director

Please click this link to see the 2024-2025 School Supply list

Dear SMA Community,

I want to share some good news of things happening at SMA.

First and foremost, I am pleased to announce that we have completed the installation of new windows for the lower level classrooms in the senior yard (see the photos below). The new windows not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our building and classrooms, but also ensure better ventilation and natural light, contributing to a more pleasant and productive atmosphere. These physical improvements are part of our commitment to providing a comfortable and conducive learning environment for our students.

In addition to these upgrades, we continue our hard work with preparations for the 2024-2025 school year. New textbooks and other classroom resources have arrived and are being organized for distribution to teachers. Further, all SMA faculty and staff will be back on campus on Monday, August 12th, for our week of in-service meetings and classroom set-up. During this week, one of our training sessions will be on CPR/AED so that all faculty and staff will be certified in these vital emergency response procedures. SMA is focused on health and safety measures that serve to create a safe learning environment for everyone.

Finally, though I do not have an update yet for you regarding a pending public hearing for the Dish installation of the wireless communication facility atop the building adjacent to the basketball courts, I have been in contact with local personnel to keep us actively informed of any/all meetings that occur regarding this proposal. As soon as I receive word of a public meeting/hearing, I will let you know. In the meantime, if you have already completed the brief survey I sent in a separate announcement, I thank you for doing so. For those who still would like their voice to be heard, click here.

Stay tuned for further updates and information as we approach the start of the school year. Your support and involvement are crucial to our collective success, and I look forward to working together to make this year exceptional.

With blessings and gratitude…

James Brandt

Principal

Querida comunidad de SMA,

Quiero compartir algunas buenas noticias de las cosas que están sucediendo en SMA.

En primer lugar, me complace anunciar que hemos completado la instalación de nuevas ventanas para las aulas del nivel inferior en el patio de mayores (ver las fotos de abajo). Las nuevas ventanas no sólo mejoran el atractivo estético de nuestro edificio y nuestras aulas, sino que también garantizan una mejor ventilación y luz natural, contribuyendo a un ambiente más agradable y productivo. Estas mejoras físicas forman parte de nuestro compromiso de ofrecer a nuestros alumnos un entorno de aprendizaje cómodo y propicio.

Además de estas mejoras, seguimos trabajando duro con los preparativos para el curso escolar 2024-2025. Los nuevos libros de texto y otros recursos de aula han llegado y se están organizando para su distribución a los profesores. Además, todos los profesores y el personal de SMA estarán de vuelta en el campus el lunes, 12 de agosto, para nuestra semana de reuniones en el servicio y la configuración de las aulas. Durante esta semana, una de nuestras sesiones de entrenamiento será en CPR/AED para que toda la facultad y el personal sean certificados en estos procedimientos vitales de respuesta de emergencia. SMA se centra en las medidas de salud y seguridad que sirven para crear un entorno de aprendizaje seguro para todos.

Por último, aunque todavía no dispongo de información actualizada sobre una audiencia pública pendiente para la instalación de la instalación de comunicaciones inalámbricas de Dish en el edificio adyacente a las canchas de baloncesto, he estado en contacto con el personal local para mantenernos activamente informados de cualquier reunión que se celebre en relación con esta propuesta. Tan pronto como reciba noticias de una reunión/audiencia pública, se lo comunicaré. Mientras tanto, si ya han rellenado la breve encuesta que les envié en un anuncio aparte, les doy las gracias por haberlo hecho. Los que aún deseen hacer oír su voz, pueden hacer clic aquí.

Permanezcan atentos para recibir más actualizaciones e información a medida que nos acercamos al inicio del curso escolar. Su apoyo y participación son cruciales para nuestro éxito colectivo, y espero con interés trabajar juntos para hacer de este año excepcional.

Con bendiciones y gratitud…

James Brandt

Director

Dear SMA Community,

I am honored and excited to join Stella Maris Academy as your new principal. As we embark on this journey together, I am filled with sincere hope and gratitude, as well as a deep sense of purpose.

Our school is more than just a place of learning: it is a vibrant community where faith, knowledge, and character are nurtured. Our mission is to empower a community of service-oriented, diverse learners to achieve their God-given potential by providing a Catholic, Christ-centered, academically excellent, and safe environment.

Moreover, we are blessed with dedicated teachers, supportive parents, and, most importantly, our wonderful students, who bring joy and inspiration to our campus every day.

In the spirit of our Catholic values, we will continue to cultivate an environment where every child feels loved, respected, and challenged to reach their full potential. Our commitment to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to others will remain at the heart of everything we do.

As we begin this new chapter, I am open to hearing your thoughts and ideas for our school. Together, we shall build upon our strong foundation and continue to make Stella Maris Academy a place where each student thrives and grows in faith and knowledge.

Thank you for your warm welcome and trust. I look forward to working closely with all of you to make this school year a blessed and successful one.

May God bless you and your families, and may God bless Stella Maris Academy.

With blessings and peace,

James Brandt

Querida comunidad de SMA,

Me siento honrado y emocionado de unirme a Stella Maris Academy como su nuevo director. A medida que nos embarcamos en este viaje juntos, estoy lleno de sincera esperanza y gratitud, así como un profundo sentido de propósito.

Nuestra escuela es más que un lugar de aprendizaje: es una comunidad vibrante donde se cultivan la fe, el conocimiento y el carácter. Nuestra misión es capacitar a una comunidad de servicio orientado, diversos estudiantes para alcanzar su potencial dado por Dios, proporcionando un católico, centrado en Cristo, académicamente excelente, y un ambiente seguro.

Además, tenemos la bendición de contar con profesores dedicados, padres que nos apoyan y, lo que es más importante, nuestros maravillosos alumnos, que traen alegría e inspiración a nuestro campus cada día.

En el espíritu de nuestros valores católicos, continuaremos cultivando un ambiente donde cada niño se sienta amado, respetado y desafiado a alcanzar su máximo potencial. Nuestro compromiso con la excelencia académica, el crecimiento espiritual y el servicio a los demás seguirá estando en el centro de todo lo que hacemos.

Al comenzar este nuevo capítulo, estoy abierto a escuchar sus pensamientos e ideas para nuestra escuela. Juntos, construiremos sobre nuestros sólidos cimientos y continuaremos haciendo de la Academia Stella Maris un lugar donde cada alumno prospere y crezca en la fe y el conocimiento.

Gracias por vuestra calurosa bienvenida y confianza. Espero trabajar estrechamente con todos ustedes para hacer de este año escolar un año bendecido y exitoso.

Que Dios os bendiga a vosotros y a vuestras familias, y que Dios bendiga la Academia Stella Maris.

Dear Parents,

This moment is so very bittersweet for me. As I compose my final parent letter of my 40 year career I do so with such gratitude to God and our amazing school family for the priceless 5 years I have spent here at Stella Maris Academy. My staff and the parish staff have been not only co-workers, but have become cherished friends that I will never forget. The students have always been the bright spot of my days. I will probably miss them the most. Thank you parents, for the support and trust you have shown to me, especially in some of the most difficult times during the pandemic. Special thanks to Fr. Pat for hiring me a second time. He has seen me at the beginning of my administrative career and now at the end. I couldn’t ask for a more supportive, compassionate, and empathetic boss. I cannot forget to thank my “rock” , Mr. Moss. He has welcomed me home after many late nights at the office and attended numerous school events to support me. We will be enjoying a restful, but active retirement together.

Life is a journey that is filled with change. As I move on in my journey I will continue to be active in Mary, Star of the Sea parish. I will also be substituting here occasionally and, of course, Mr. Moss and myself will be part of the Christmas Parade float committee. So you see, this is not good-bye, only farewell. You will all remain in my daily prayers. My love to you all for many more successful years at SMA! God is so Good!

Blessings,

Francie Moss

Queridos padres,

Este momento es muy agridulce para mí. Al escribir mi última carta a los padres de mis 40 años de carrera lo hago con tanta gratitud a Dios y a nuestra increíble familia escolar por los 5 años de valor incalculable que he pasado aquí en la Academia Stella Maris. Mi personal y el personal de la parroquia no sólo han sido compañeros de trabajo, sino que se han convertido en amigos entrañables que nunca olvidaré. Los estudiantes han sido siempre el punto brillante de mis días. Probablemente sean los que más echaré de menos. Gracias, padres, por el apoyo y la confianza que me habéis demostrado, especialmente en algunos de los momentos más difíciles durante la pandemia. Gracias especialmente al P. Pat por contratarme por segunda vez. Me ha visto al principio de mi carrera administrativa y ahora al final. No podría pedir un jefe más comprensivo, compasivo y empático. No puedo olvidar dar las gracias a mi “roca” , el Sr. Moss. Me ha acogido en casa después de muchas noches en la oficina y ha asistido a numerosos actos escolares para apoyarme. Disfrutaremos juntos de una jubilación tranquila pero activa.

La vida es un viaje lleno de cambios. A medida que avance en mi viaje, seguiré participando activamente en la parroquia de María, Estrella del Mar. También estaré sustituyendo aquí ocasionalmente y, por supuesto, el Sr. Moss y yo formaremos parte del comité de carrozas del Desfile de Navidad. Como ven, esto no es un adiós, sino una despedida. Todos ustedes permanecerán en mis oraciones diarias. Les deseo a todos muchos años más de éxito en SMA. ¡Dios es tan bueno!

Bendiciones,

Francie Moss